Rainy, gusty weather today

Flooding expected in low lying areas

Grand Cayman will experience heavy rain and windy weather through Tuesday afternoon as the tropical low-pressure weather system dubbed Invest 92L passes to the south.

Things could have been much worse, however, because it was thought 92L, which was identified last week, would develop into a tropical cyclone before it reached the Cayman Islands. Although it could still develop into a tropical depression or Tropical Storm Karl, it likely will not happen until the storm is well past Cayman.

Cayman Islands National Weather Service Meteorologists Allan Ebanks believes Cayman is lucky to just get rain and gusty conditions from the storm.

“The way the atmosphere was set up kept it from developing into anything,” he said, noting that dry, cold air in the mid-to-upper levels of the atmosphere surrounding the system got “sucked into” the system, hindering development.

The system is still expected to bring up to two inches of rain between Monday night and Tuesday night. Hazard Management Cayman Islands issued a press release Monday morning warning of flooding in low-lying areas as a result of the heavy rains.

“Roads, homes, businesses and parking lots may be affected,” Hazard Management stated. “Residents in low-lying areas need to take precautionary measures if they live in areas with a history of flooding.”

“If you have to drive through flood water, drive very slowly,” it stated.

Hazard Management said there were no plans to open storm shelters, but it advised residents to monitor the media for further announcements.

The storm system is also expected to bring gusty winds of 10 to 15 knots out of the east-northeast, shifting to the east-southeast as the system passes by Grand Cayman on Tuesday. Mr. Ebanks said the seas were expected to be moderate with three- to five-foot waves. He also said to expect higher gusts and rough seas in and around the heavier showers.

The National Weather Service advised small craft should exercise caution in open waters through Tuesday night.